Govardhan Puja 2021 – Significance & Story

Why is Govardhan Puja important?

Govardhan Puja is one amongst the most significant and prominent five-day festivities in Diwali. The Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot festival is observed on the second day of this festival. This festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s triumph over Indra. It is observed on the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. The number of days between Diwali and Govardhan Puja is affected by lunar cycles. It is believed to worship and serve cows on this day; as cows are meant to be as pure as Mata Ganga. Devotees worship Govardhan Hill and prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian food to Krishna as a mark of gratitude.

The story behind Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Parvat, a tiny hill near Braj is supposed to be known as the King of the Mountains, according to the Vishnu Purana. Based the Govardhan Puja Story, during the Dwapar Yuga, the inhabitants of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra-God of Ego for adequate rains and agricultural output. Lord Krishna then instructed people to worship Govardhan Parvat rather than Devraj Indra since the former is responsible for rain, clean air, and fodder for cows. When everyone heard this, they all agreed with Lord Krishna and began worshipping Govardhan, which enraged and offended Devraj Indra. As a response, God Indra sent severe rains to devastate Gokul, leaving the Brajvas scared.

Lord Krishna then used all of his almighty strength to lift the whole Govardhan Parvat on his little finger, shielding the people from the terrible rains. After watching this, Indra attempted to make it rain for 7 days straight but was unsuccessful. He recognized that the person he was challenging was not an average person, but rather the almighty Lord Vishnu in human form. God Indra quickly apologized to Lord Krishna for his folly.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the tale of Govardhan hill and Lord Krishna.

Ritually the day celebrates the bond between a husband and his wife. In some regions, the day is celebrated as Govardhan puja to honor the legend of Lord Krishna saving the cowherd and farming communities from incessant rains and floods triggered by Indra’s anger, which he accomplished by lifting the Govardhan mountain.

Govardhan Puja Vidhi

On the auspicious festival of Diwali, lakhs of devotees from all across the country go to Govardhan Parvat in the Mathura region of Uttar Pradesh. Pradakshina (rotation) around the Parvat is completed, and Lord Agni, Fire, Thunder, Oceans, and Varuna are worshipped in addition to unique Govardhan Puja Vidhis.

People prepare 56 or 108 kinds of meals cooked with wheat, rice, gram flour on Govardhan Puja. The Vegetarian delicacies are then offered to Lord Krishna. To mark the festival, a hillock is created from cow dung which is referred to as Govardhan and is decorated with flowers. The devotees walk all the way round the hillock to pray Lord Govardhan for their wellbeing and to safeguard their families. 

Examine some of the most significant ceremonies related to this day.

• Cow dung is used to build the Govardhan, which is then decked with flowers and venerated in the early morning or late evening. This puja includes garlands, sandalwood, incense sticks, fruits, water, and prasad.

• The cow dung sculpture with a clay light on top is displayed in the house’s courtyard. Curd, milk, honey, Bataashe (crystalized sugar), and Gangajal are then served.

• After the puja, participants do revolutions around the Parvat constructed of dung, which represents Govardhan Parvat. Following the completion of the revolutions, barley is planted in the ground.

• Lord Krishna is offered with Annakoot, fruits, flowers, cereals, milk sweets, khichdi, and other delights, which are distributed to family members afterward.

This festival of Govardhan is also very important from a scientific point of view. People in rural areas also smear their houses with cow dung on this day. In fact, many bacteria or germs which are produced during the rainy season and increases the risk of diseases die due to cow dung. Thus protecting people from disease.

Shubh Muhurat & Time for Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja will be held this year on November 5th, which is the first day of the Vikram Samvat calendar. This puja, which is observed on Amavasya, is conducted on a certain Muhurat in Hindu tradition. Those doing this puja should keep the following Govardhan Puja Time in mind.

Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat –

Pratipada Tithi Prarambha – Morning – 06:35 AM Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat – Pratipada Tithi Prarambha – Morning – 06:35 AM (5th November 2021)
Pratahkal Govardhan Puja Muhurat: 06:35:38 to 08:47:12
Muhurat for Govardhan Puja Sayankal: 15:21:53 to 17:33:27

Govardhan Puja Vidhi is performed with tremendous passion and faith. It conveys a message to each one of us that tells us not to disrespect our Mother Nature and her super-natural powers.

If you liked this article or want to share some information with us then do write us in the comment section below. You can drop your queries on 9324801420 or on [email protected] .

For more such updates do like our page @jaymahakaal01 and keep visiting www.jaymahakaal.com

DIWALI            |               DHANTERAS                |           DIWALI TIPS